Top West End children's casting director heading to town

A LEADING London casting director will be holding courses in Marlow to help budding performers find their way into the creative arts industry.

Jo Hawes will be holding the courses at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School between May 29 and 31 Ms Hawes has worked on a majority of West End productions, with some including Oliver, Les Miserables, The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Miss Saigon.

In 2010 she began giving Masterclasses in the 'Art of Auditioning', helping hundreds of aspiring children across the UK.

She said: "I am hoping that children will discover that being involved in professional entertainment is not just about performing. There are so many other amazing and exciting career options behind the scenes to be considered.

"Every time I arrange a course there will be new skills for the children to learn, new songs and new choreography so each course is always unique."

Working alongside Jo will be Carrie Grant and Mark Hedges, who have worked on Oliver, they will run the drama, dance and singing classes.

Paul Robbens, who created props for Harry Potter, The Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones. Mr Robbins will teach the children to work with props, creating something they can take home.

He is also trained in speciality makeup, demonstrating how to create frightful wounds.

Elizabeth Keates is a photographer who will run photography workshops, where the children will be learn the skills of portrait photography.

Ms Hawes is the author of Children in the Theatre, a difinitive guide for parents of aspiring performers.